International. The Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) presented three annual awards for advocacy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2022 AAPEX event in Las Vegas.
Eric Sills, president and CEO of Standard Motor Products (SMP), received the 2022 AASA Member Advocacy Award on November 2 at the AAPEX show in Las Vegas.
"Eric has taken the reins of representing the aftermarket during a very difficult time for our country and our industry," said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
"Whether it's discussing supply chain challenges on Capitol Hill or organizing his colleagues to support the Repair Act, Eric has focused on advocating for the aftermarket. It is truly an honor to work with Eric and to present this award to him," he added.
The Association indicated that Sills is a proud representative of the industry "and goes above and beyond to ensure a bright future for the aftermarket. He testified before Congress on behalf of the entire manufacturing community on supply chain and investment challenges to strengthen American manufacturing and competitiveness."
"Sills activated its SMP employee base to reach out to its congressmen in support of the Repair Act and to help ensure a competitive market and consumer choice about where and with what parts vehicles are repaired," the Association said.
AASA said Sills and his team are working to achieve a positive outcome for manufacturers, channel partners, the aftermarket and consumers.
"As someone who is a fourth-generation leader in the aftermarket, he is a senior executive who not only focuses on the success of his own organization, but also considers the supplier community and our industry as a whole," the Association concluded.
Eric Sills said, "I am deeply honored to receive this award."
"The aftermarket is in my blood, and it's more important than ever that the industry is fully involved in all aspects of the public policy process," Sills said.
Ann Wilson, MEMA's senior vice president of government affairs, and Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA, took the stage to officially name Sills as the 2022 AASA Advocacy Champion.
Also honored during the award presentation were Franchelle Thomas, who received the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Individual), and Motor Information Systems, which received the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Corporation).
